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Mississippi Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

Earth, Mississippi, North America, United States

If you’re reading this, your family in Mississippi may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. They were supposed to grow, make memories, and build a future. Instead, they were tortured. Abused. Harmed in ways you never imagined possible. We are Attorney 911, and we’re here to help families in Mississippi fight back.

We understand what you’re going through. Your stomach is in knots. You’re scared, you’re angry, and you’re searching for answers in the middle of the night. We want you to know that you are not alone, and you don’t have to face this nightmare by yourself.

Hazing is not just a rite of passage or harmless fun. It is abuse, plain and simple. It leads to serious injuries, lifelong trauma, and, far too often, death. And it’s happening right now, at universities across America, including those where students from Mississippi attend. We are actively fighting this battle in court, representing victims and their families in cases that seek to deliver justice and force real change.

We are Attorney 911. We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We come from a background of fighting for victims against powerful institutions. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has over 25 years of courtroom experience, including major mass tort litigation against corporate giants like BP. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is a former national insurance defense lawyer who knows exactly how the other side thinks and strategizes. Together, we bring an unparalleled level of insight and aggression to hazing litigation. We don’t just talk about hazing; we are in the trenches fighting it right now, and we extend that same relentless advocacy to families in Mississippi.

Our firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but our reach and commitment to justice know no state lines. With federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses in Texas and New York, we are uniquely equipped to represent hazing victims from Mississippi and across the country against national fraternities, powerful universities, and all responsible parties. We offer video consultations and are prepared to travel to Mississippi for depositions, client meetings, and trials when justice demands it.

If your child has been subjected to hazing in Mississippi or at any institution where they now attend, do not wait. Call our Legal Emergency Hotline at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, because a legal emergency can strike at any hour.

The Case That Shows Mississippi Families Why We Fight: Leonel Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

This case happened in Houston, just weeks ago, but the story of Leonel Bermudez is a stark warning for every parent in Mississippi. It illustrates exactly what hazing looks like today, how devastating its consequences can be, and how institutions fail to protect our children. It also shows precisely what we do here at Attorney 911 to fight back and secure justice.

Leonel’s story is not unique, and it could easily be your child’s story. The same hazing behaviors happen at universities that students from Mississippi attend, the same national fraternities operate there, and the same institutional negligence exists at colleges and universities throughout Mississippi. We are bringing the full force of our experience and resources to this case, and we will bring that same aggression to fight for victims from Mississippi.

On November 21, 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County Civil District Court on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston, its housing corporation, the University of Houston itself, the UH Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. This is not a hypothetical fight; it is happening right now, and the details are deeply disturbing.

The Media Is Covering Our Fight:

We believe in shedding light on these dark practices. Our lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston has already garnered significant media attention, bringing Leonel’s story to headlines across Texas and beyond:

Even Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued a statement on November 21, 2025, confirming the closure of their Beta Nu Chapter, signaling their knowledge of severe wrongdoing: (https://pikapp.org/pi-kappa-phi-closes-beta-nu-chapter-at-the-university-of-houston/)

Leonel Bermudez: A “Ghost Rush” Tortured on Campus Grounds

Leonel Bermudez was not even an enrolled University of Houston student at the time of the hazing. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH for the spring 2026 semester. The fact that the fraternity subjected someone not officially under the university’s purview to such abuse speaks volumes about their reckless disregard for safety and basic human decency.

Leonel accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston on September 16, 2025. What followed was an almost two-month period of systematic abuse and torture that landed him in the hospital for three nights and four days, suffering from severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

As Ralph Manginello told ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

Lupe Peña emphasized our firm’s mission to ABC13: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe that this case, and the attention it receives, can prevent future tragedies for students in Mississippi.

The Horrific Details of the Hazing:

The hazing Leonel endured was not harmless fun; it was calculated, cruel, and dangerous. Our lawsuit details a litany of abuses:

  • Waterboarding as Torture: Leonel was subjected to “simulated waterboarding with a garden hose,” sprayed directly in his face while he was forced to do calisthenics. Houston Public Media explicitly stated, “Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, is a form of torture.” This isn’t just hazing; it’s a practice deemed a war crime.
  • Extreme Physical Punishment: He was forced to perform over 100 pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, and “save-you-brother” drills. He was forced to run “two-mile warmups” and endure “repeated 100-yard crawls,” all while reciting the fraternity creed. He was also reportedly “struck with wooden paddles.” These exercises continued until he was so exhausted he could not stand without help, and another pledge even lost consciousness during similar workouts on October 15.
  • Forced Eating Until Vomiting: Leonel was allegedly forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited. Even after vomiting, he was made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass and forced to continue sprinting.
  • Psychological Torture and Humiliation: He was required to carry a fanny pack containing objects “of a sexual nature” at all times. He was forced to strip to his underwear in cold weather and then sprayed with a garden hose. The lawsuit also details an incident where another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. Threats of physical punishment or expulsion were constantly used to ensure compliance.
  • Sleep Deprivation: He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion.

Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis and Kidney Failure

The brutal hazing culminated on November 3, 2025, when Leonel, punished for missing an event, was subjected to a particularly extreme workout regimen. He collapsed, unable to stand on his own. Days later, after experiencing severe muscle soreness and pain, his urine turned brown—a critical sign of muscle breakdown. His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6, where he was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital receiving intensive treatment.

Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys and potentially leading to permanent kidney damage or death. Ralph Manginello has direct expertise in litigating rhabdomyolysis hazing cases, making our firm uniquely positioned to handle such complex medical claims for families in Mississippi.

Institutional Responses: Knowledge and Failure to Act

Both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters issued statements that, when read closely, reveal a disturbing awareness of the problem and a failure to act.

A University of Houston spokesperson acknowledged that the “events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” and noted “potential criminal charges.” This admission confirms the university’s recognition of the severity and illegality of the hazing that occurred on its campus, and often in buildings it owned.

Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, in their own statement, confirmed the closure of the Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025—just one week before our lawsuit was filed. They admitted this closure was “following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This pre-emptive closure before litigation underscores their awareness of serious wrongdoing and an attempt to mitigate the fallout. However, their statement also brazenly declared, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time,” demonstrating a shocking lack of remorse and a readiness to resume operations once the immediate crisis passes.

KHOU 11’s report was particularly damning, stating that both the national organization and housing corporation “failed to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of ‘a hazing crisis.'” This reveals not just negligence, but a conscious indifference to a known and widespread problem.

Why Leonel’s Case Matters to Mississippi Families:

  1. Pi Kappa Phi’s Deadly History: Pi Kappa Phi is the same national fraternity that saw Andrew Coffey die from forced alcohol consumption during a hazing event at Florida State University in 2017. Eight years later, instead of learning from tragedy, another student is hospitalized. This demonstrates a clear pattern of negligence and a national failure to address a deadly culture.
  2. University of Houston’s Repeated Failures: The University of Houston also has a documented history of hazing. In 2017, a student from their Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen due to hazing. UH knew, they had been warned, yet they failed to put effective measures in place to prevent Leonel’s severe injuries.
  3. Waterboarding is Torture: This goes beyond “pranks.” Waterboarding is considered torture, and its use in a fraternity setting is an egregious act that demands accountability.
  4. Institutional Responsibility: The fact that UH owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred cements their direct responsibility. Universities and national organizations operating in Mississippi, or where students from Mississippi attend, have a duty to keep students safe. When they own the property where hazing occurs, their accountability is heightened.
  5. A Brave Stand for Future Students: As Lupe Peña said, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” Leonel’s courage to come forward, backed by our aggressive legal action, is aimed at sending a resounding message across the country: hazing will not be tolerated, and institutions that enable it will pay the price. A successful case stemming from Mississippi could similarly save lives.

This case is not just about Leonel Bermudez; it’s about drawing a line in the sand and telling every university, every fraternity, and every individual involved in hazing that these sickening practices must end. We are ready to bring this same fight to Mississippi if your family has been impacted by hazing.

What Hazing Really Looks Like Today

Many parents in Mississippi, and throughout the country, hold outdated perceptions of hazing. They might envision harmless pranks or silly initiations from movies. But the reality is far darker, far more dangerous, and has devastating consequences. Hazing today is not about “tradition” or “building brotherhood”; it is about abuse, power, control, and often, torture.

Pi Kappa Phi’s actions against Leonel Bermudez are a chilling example of what hazing truly entails in our colleges and universities:

  • Physical Abuse and Assault: This is not just a push or shove. It includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, and deprivation of basic needs. In Leonel’s case, he was struck with wooden paddles, forced into hundreds of squats and pushups, and subjected to grueling “suicides” and crawls until his body literally broke down. The use of physical violence underscores a complete disregard for human safety.
  • Simulated Waterboarding and Drowning: This is an act of torture, designed to induce the terror of drowning. Leonel was targeted with a garden hose to his face, simulating this horrific experience. Such an act is not about bonding; it is about psychological and physical subjugation.
  • Forced Consumption (Alcohol, Food, Non-Food Items): Hazing often involves making pledges consume vast quantities of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and death, as seen in the tragic case of Maxwell Gruver and Andrew Coffey. In Leonel’s case, it was force-feeding milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited – and then making him continue physical exertion in his own vomit. This is designed to break down a person’s will and inflict humiliation.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Forcing pledges to stay awake for extended periods, perform demanding tasks overnight, or drive exhausted members in the early hours creates a state of extreme vulnerability and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and serious health issues.
  • Psychological and Emotional Torture: Hazing systematically breaks down individuals through humiliation, degradation, threats, and isolation. Leonel was forced to carry sexually explicit objects, strip naked in cold weather, and perform other demeaning acts. This inflicts deep emotional wounds, leading to lasting psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  • Sexual Harassment and Abuse: While direct sexual assault may occur, hazing often includes forcing pledges into sexually degrading situations, carrying sexually suggestive items, or engaging in forced nudity. These acts are deeply humiliating and can leave indelible scars.
  • Extreme Exposure: Pledges can be subjected to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme cold or heat, confined spaces, and unsanitary conditions, compounding the physical and psychological toll.

The Tragic Reality for Mississippi Families:

Mississippi, with its vibrant college town cultures and numerous institutions of higher learning, is not immune to this crisis. Universities like the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi, all host active Greek life organizations. This means that students from cities across Mississippi—from Jackson to Gulfport, Southaven to Hattiesburg—who choose to participate in these organizations face the same dangers that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez.

When we receive calls from panicked parents in Mississippi, they often express shock that such brutality could happen in their community, or at a school their child attends. But hazing is a hidden epidemic. It thrives in secrecy, fueled by traditions that prioritize conformity and loyalty over safety and respect. The shame and fear of retaliation often prevent victims from speaking out. This is why our firm exists – to give a voice to those who have been silenced, to expose the truth, and to hold every single entity responsible for the physical and emotional devastation caused by hazing.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Liable Party Accountable

When hazing tears a family apart in Mississippi, it’s never just one person or one group. Too often, institutions and organizations that have a duty to keep students safe—and ample resources to do so—turn a blind eye or fail to intervene. At Attorney 911, our data-driven approach and extensive experience allow us to identify and pursue every single liable party, ensuring that true accountability is achieved. We don’t just sue the individual; we go after everyone who enabled the abuse. This is the strategy we’re employing in the Bermudez case, and it’s the strategy we bring to every hazing case in Mississippi.

1. The Local Chapter and Its Members:

These are often the direct perpetrators. In Leonel Bermudez’s case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston directly organized and conducted the horrific hazing activities.

  • Chapter Officers: The fraternity president, pledgemaster, and other leaders are typically at the forefront. They design the hazing, direct the pledges, and ensure compliance. Their direct involvement makes them personally liable. The Stone Foltz case, where the chapter president was held personally liable for $6.5 million in December 2024, is a stark reminder that individuals cannot hide behind the fraternity shield.
  • Active Members: Any active member who participated in the hazing, encouraged it, or stood by and watched without intervening can be held responsible.
  • Former Members and Their Spouses: In Leonel’s case, the lawsuit specifically names former members and their spouses because some major hazing sessions occurred at their private residence. This extends liability beyond the campus, holding those who facilitate or allow hazing on their property accountable. This is also covered by premises liability principles.

2. The National Fraternity/Sorority Organization:

National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi claim to have anti-hazing policies and risk management programs. However, when tragedies occur, it becomes clear these policies are often hollow or poorly enforced. This is where the deep pockets lie.

  • Failure to Supervise: Despite having knowledge of their local chapters’ activities and often receiving reports of misconduct, national organizations frequently fail to adequately supervise. The sheer number of chapters (Pi Kappa Phi boasts 150+ across America) means their oversight duties are substantial.
  • Failure to Enforce Anti-Hazing Policies: When clear violations occur, and a student is hospitalized or dies, it demonstrates a failure to enforce their own stated policies, rules, and commitments.
  • Knowledge of a “Hazing Crisis”: In Leonel’s case, allegations suggest the national organization knew of “a hazing crisis” yet still failed to act effectively. This is a critical point for establishing gross negligence and allowing punitive damages.
  • Pattern of Behavior: The fact that Pi Kappa Phi had a student (Andrew Coffey) die in a hazing incident in 2017 underscores a clear pattern of organizational failure. They knew the risks, yet another student was severely injured. This pattern of negligence strengthens the case for holding the national body fully accountable for any harm.

3. The University or College:

Universities often have a complex and often conflicting relationship with Greek life. While they benefit from the alumni donations and social activities, they also bear a significant responsibility for student safety.

  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on university-owned or controlled property, like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, the university bears direct responsibility. They have a duty to maintain safe premises and a right to inspect and enforce rules.
  • Negligent Supervision: Universities have a duty to oversee student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. This includes monitoring their activities, enforcing anti-hazing policies, and providing proper training. A failure to do so can lead to negligent supervision claims.
  • Prior Knowledge and Failure to Act: Like Pi Kappa Phi, universities often have a history of hazing incidents. University of Houston had a student hospitalized in 2017 due to hazing. Knowing this, and then failing to prevent another student from being hospitalized, demonstrates institutional negligence.
  • Institutional Indifference: Universities often prioritize avoiding negative publicity or maintaining strong alumni ties over actively addressing hazing. This conscious indifference to students’ well-being can be a potent factor in litigation.

4. Insurance Carriers:

These are often the ultimate source of substantial compensation for victims. At Attorney 911, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys. We know their playbook from the inside.

  • National Organization’s Liability Insurance: National fraternities carry large liability insurance policies specifically designed to cover such incidents.
  • University’s Institutional Insurance: Universities also have extensive insurance coverage for negligence and campus safety issues.
  • Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance: Individual members or alums who host hazing events may have personal liability coverage through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

We Leave No Stone Unturned for Mississippi Families:

Our comprehensive “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine” allows us to identify the complex network of entities behind Greek organizations. We maintain records on over 125 IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas alone, detailing their EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This proactive intelligence gathering enables us to pinpoint every possible defendant and ensure that all available sources of compensation are pursued.

When your child is hazed in Mississippi, the fraternity will claim they are just college kids. But behind those Greek letters are tax-exempt corporations with EINs, bank accounts, real estate holdings, and insurance policies. We track them all. We will relentlessly pursue every single party responsible for your child’s injuries.

What These Cases Win: Multi-Million Dollar Proof for Mississippi Victims

When a hazing incident turns tragic, families in Mississippi need to know that justice is possible, and that accountability can come with significant financial consequences for those responsible. The multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in hazing cases across the country send a clear message: universities and national fraternities will pay for their negligence. These precedents demonstrate not only the severe financial penalties involved but also the power of aggressive legal action to force change across the nation. What has been won in other states can be won for victims in Mississippi.

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Total: $10.1 Million+

Stone Foltz was an inspiring 20-year-old who died from alcohol poisoning after a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event at Bowling Green State University in 2021. He was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. The outcome was nothing short of a landmark:

  • $2.9 Million from Bowling Green State University.
  • $7.2 Million from Pi Kappa Alpha National and several individual members.
  • In December 2024, the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to pay an additional $6.5 Million in personal liability.

This case is a direct parallel to our Bermudez lawsuit. The $10 million we are seeking is squarely in line with the figures achieved in the Foltz case, demonstrating that substantial recovery is both justified and achievable when a pattern of negligence and severe injury, even without death, is proven.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): Total: $6.1 Million Verdict

Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died during a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual in 2017 where pledges were forced to drink excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. His blood alcohol content was 0.495—more than six times the legal limit.

  • A jury awarded his family $6.1 Million in a civil lawsuit.
  • Criminal convictions for negligent homicide against fraternity members followed.
  • The tragedy led to the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana, showing the power of these cases to drive legislative change.

The Gruver case proves that juries are willing to deliver multi-million dollar verdicts against fraternities for egregious hazing, and that emotional impact, even without direct evidence of intentional harm, can lead to massive awards.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): Total: $110+ Million (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State pledge, died in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event where he was forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes. He fell down a flight of stairs, suffered severe injuries, and lay unattended for 12 hours before medical help was called.

  • The family settled for a confidential amount, widely estimated to be over $110 Million.
  • This case was instrumental in passing the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania, which significantly toughened hazing penalties.
  • Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter.

Piazza’s case, powerfully documented by security camera footage, highlights how strong evidence of institutional failure and egregious conduct can lead to astronomical settlements and widespread legislative impact.

4. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Same Fraternity, Same Fatal Outcome

This case provides direct, damning pattern evidence for our Bermudez lawsuit. Andrew Coffey died in 2017 during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” at FSU, after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon.

  • Nine fraternity members faced criminal charges.
  • The FSU chapter was permanently closed.
  • A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement.

The fact that Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized in 2025 at a Pi Kappa Kappa chapter, precisely eight years after Andrew Coffey’s death, underscores the national fraternity’s deep-seated failure to address its hazing culture. They knew their practices could be deadly, yet they allowed these “traditions” to continue. This pattern strengthens arguments for gross negligence and punitive damages.

5. Other Significant Cases:

  • Adam Oakes (VCU / Delta Chi, 2021): Died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing event. His family recently reached a settlement of over $4 Million in October 2024, and initiated “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
  • Tucker Hipps (Clemson / Sigma Phi Epsilon, 2014): Died after falling from a bridge during a pledge run. His family settled for over $500,000.
  • UT Austin Sigma Chi (November 2025): Tragically, another hazing death lawsuit was filed in Texas in the same week as the Bermudez case, involving an 18-year-old UT freshman and Sigma Chi, highlighting the ongoing, statewide crisis.

What This Means for Mississippi Victims:

These cases, with their multi-million dollar outcomes and significant legal and legislative reforms, prove that:

  • Justice is Achievable: Despite the power of national fraternities and universities, victims and their families can win.
  • Damages are Substantial: When serious injury or death occurs, the financial consequences for negligent parties are immense.
  • Accountability is Key: These lawsuits force institutions to confront their failures, potentially preventing future tragedies.
  • Pattern Evidence is Critical: Our ability to link your case in Mississippi to similar incidents demonstrates that the negligence was foreseeable and widespread, not an isolated mistake.

We take immense pride in contributing to this growing body of precedent. Our current $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez is more than just a fight for one student; it’s another battle in the war against hazing, and it affirms that the tactics and strategies that won these landmark cases can and will be employed for families in Mississippi.

Mississippi Law Protects Hazing Victims: Your Rights Explained

While our firm is rooted in Texas, it is crucial for families in Mississippi to understand that robust legal frameworks exist to protect hazing victims in your state and nationwide. The principles of negligence and accountability that drive our cases are universal. Furthermore, our federal court authority means we can pursue cases for Mississippi families in federal jurisdictions, irrespective of state lines.

Mississippi, like many states, has anti-hazing laws. While the specifics may vary slightly from state to state, the core intent is the same: to criminalize acts that endanger students and establish liability for those who participate or allow them.

Understanding Your Rights Under Mississippi Law:

While we will focus on the general principles found in many state laws, and relevant federal statutes, it’s important that any victim from Mississippi consults with us to evaluate the specifics of their case under Mississippi’s unique legal framework.

1. Criminal Prohibitions:

Many states, including Mississippi, define hazing broadly to cover acts that endanger a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in an organization. These can include:

  • Physical Brutality: Such as beatings, branding, excessive exercise, or other similar activities that subject a student to physical harm. Leonel Bermudez’s experience with wooden paddles and forced calisthenics certainly falls into this category.
  • Forced Consumption: Requiring a student to consume substances like alcohol, drugs, or even excessive amounts of food or non-food items that create a risk of harm. The forced binge drinking seen in many hazing deaths (like Andrew Coffey and Max Gruver) is a prime example.
  • Sleep Deprivation and Exposure: Activities that involve sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or confinement that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm.
  • Humiliation and Psychological Abuse: Acts that cause extreme mental anguish, humiliation, or degradation. Leonel’s waterboarding and being forced to carry sexually explicit objects illustrate this type of abuse.

Crucially, in virtually every state with anti-hazing laws, including implicit or explicit provisions in Mississippi:

  • CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE: This is a fundamental principle in hazing law, and it is echoed in Texas Education Code § 37.154: “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means that no matter what the fraternity members claim—that your child “went along with it” or “could have left”—the law rejects this argument. You cannot consent to be a victim of a crime or to be subjected to brutal hazing. Our firm will aggressively dismantle any attempt by defendants to blame the victim for their own abuse.

2. Civil Liability for Damages:

Beyond criminal penalties, civil lawsuits allow victims and their families to seek financial compensation for the extensive damages caused by hazing. These civil claims are broadly available across all U.S. states, including Mississippi, and allow victims to pursue:

  • Negligence Claims: We establish that the university, national fraternity, or individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages. This is a cornerstone of our legal strategy.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (like the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH) or another entity, that entity can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
  • Negligent Supervision: This applies when national fraternities fail to adequately oversee their local chapters or when universities fail to properly monitor Greek life activities on their campuses.
  • Assault and Battery: Individual perpetrators can be sued for intentional harmful or offensive contact. Every student who hit a pledge with a paddle, forced them to eat, or waterboarded them can be held personally responsible.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For extreme and outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm, victims can recover damages for psychological trauma. Waterboarding, for instance, nearly always qualifies as outrageous conduct.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a student’s death, families can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover for their immense losses, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support. These cases consistently result in multi-million dollar awards.

How Attorney 911 Fights for Mississippi Victims:

  • Expert Knowledge of Federal Law: Our federal court admissions mean we can file lawsuits in U.S. District Courts, which allows us to pursue national defendants across state lines and leverage the full spectrum of federal civil rights claims (where applicable) to protect victims.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello holds licenses in both Texas and New York, providing a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities often headquartered in various states or with chapters across the country.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Our extensive intelligence on Greek organizations, including their corporate structures, EINs, and national incident histories, means we don’t guess who is responsible. We know. This precision is critical for building an unbreakable case against multiple defendants.
  • Aggressive Advocacy: We are not intimidated by powerful universities or well-funded national fraternities. Our experience against corporate giants, including BP, demonstrates our capacity for relentless litigation.

For families in Mississippi, knowing your legal rights is the first step toward justice. It is our mission to ensure those rights are protected and that every institution, organization, and individual involved in hazing is held fully accountable under the law.

Why Attorney 911 Is the Obvious Choice for Mississippi Families

When your child in Mississippi has been victimized by hazing, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the complex landscape of hazing litigation, who isn’t afraid to take on powerful institutions, and who genuinely cares about your family’s well-being. Attorney 911 stands apart as the definitive choice for hazing victims and their families in Mississippi.

1. We Are Actively Fighting the Hazing Battle RIGHT NOW:

This isn’t theoretical for us. We are currently embroiled in a high-stakes, $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for severe hazing that led to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This ongoing fight is our proof. We are in the trenches, aggressively pursuing justice, facing down the same types of defendants you might encounter. This real-time experience means we understand the latest tactics used by fraternities and universities, and we know how to counter them effectively for your child in Mississippi.

2. Unmatched Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys:

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña began their careers defending insurance companies and large corporations. This is an unparalleled advantage for our clients in Mississippi.

  • Ralph Manginello spent years working for the defense, gaining invaluable insights into how insurance companies evaluate claims, spot weaknesses, and strategize to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for victims.
  • Lupe Peña honed his skills at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national defense firm, dealing with a vast array of litigation for insurance companies. He learned their exact valuation methods, delay tactics, and denial strategies. He knows how they think because he was them. Now, he leverages that insider intelligence to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight” the other side, ensuring Mississippi families get the compensation they deserve.

This dual perspective gives us a profound understanding of the opposing side’s playbook, allowing us to anticipate their moves and build stronger, more effective cases for hazing victims in Mississippi.

3. Federal Court Authority & Dual-State Bar Licenses:

Hazing is a national problem, and we have national capabilities.

  • Federal Court Admissions: Both Mr. Manginello and Mr. Peña are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal authority allows us to pursue hazing cases in federal court, which is often crucial when dealing with national fraternities and universities that operate across state lines. This means we can represent your child in Mississippi regardless of where the incident occurred.
  • Dual-State Bar Licenses: Mr. Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York. This dual licensure provides strategic advantages, particularly when confronting national fraternities or university systems with diverse legal footprints. Distance is not a barrier to our legal expertise for Mississippi families.

4. Experience Against Corporate Goliaths: BP Texas City Litigation:

Ralph Manginello was involved in the multi-billion dollar mass tort litigation against BP following the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. This experience demonstrates our firm’s long-standing capability in handling complex, high-stakes litigation against massive corporate defendants with virtually unlimited resources. This same tenacity and strategic depth are applied when we confront powerful national fraternities and well-funded universities in hazing cases for Mississippi victims.

5. Comprehensive Hazing Intelligence Database:

We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We maintain one of the most comprehensive private directories of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, legal names, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to:

  • Identify Every Liable Entity: From the local chapter to the national headquarters and their associated housing corporations, we pinpoint every potential defendant.
  • Track Patterns of Negligence: Our database includes details on other hazing incidents, enabling us to establish pattern evidence and foreseeability, which is crucial for proving gross negligence and securing punitive damages.

For example, our database includes “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc” with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, Texas, which is the exact entity behind the UH chapter we sued. We knew their corporate structure, their ties, and their insurance before we ever filed suit. We bring this same level of meticulous research to every case, including those from Mississippi.

6. Genuine Empathy and Compassion for Families:

We never forget the human element of these tragedies. Ralph Manginello is a father of three; he understands what is at stake when a child is harmed. Our firm’s culture is rooted in empathy, communication, and aggressive advocacy. Our Google reviews, boasting a 4.9-star rating from over 250 clients, frequently highlight how we treat clients “like family” and maintain “consistent communication.” We understand the fear and anger Mississippi families feel, and we are committed to being your unwavering allies.

7. Accessible Legal Help: Contingency Fees:

We understand that fighting powerful institutions can seem financially daunting. For hazing cases, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • $0 Upfront: You pay nothing out of pocket to hire us.
  • We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

This payment structure removes financial barriers, allowing every family in Mississippi, regardless of their economic situation, to access top-tier legal representation against those who have harmed their child.

8. Bilingual Services (Se Habla Español):

Our staff is fluent in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Mississippi. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish, from initial consultations to ongoing case communication, ensuring full understanding and peace of mind.

We Will Come To You, Mississippi:

Although our main offices are in Texas, our dedication to hazing victims is national. We offer remote consultations via video conference, making it easy for families in Mississippi to connect with us. Furthermore, should your case require it, our attorneys are prepared to travel to Mississippi for depositions, client meetings, and even trial proceedings. Distance will never prevent us from delivering aggressive, expert legal representation.

When you choose Attorney 911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining committed partners who have the experience, the resources, and the track record to stand up to the most formidable opponents and fight for the justice your family deserves.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Mississippi Victims and Families

If you or your child in Mississippi has been a victim of hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. What you do, or don’t do, can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and compensation. We understand that in a time of crisis, clear guidance is essential. Here are immediate, actionable steps we urge every Mississippi family to take.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Prioritize Health: Your first priority is health and safety. If there are any physical injuries—no matter how minor they seem—get medical help immediately. Call 911 if necessary or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.
  • Documentation is Key: Make sure medical professionals document everything. Tell them clearly how the injuries occurred, linking them directly to the hazing. Explain all symptoms, pain levels, and any emotional distress. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. Do not delay; a delay in seeking treatment can be used by the defense to argue your injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by the hazing.
  • Mental Health Support: Hazing inflicts deep psychological wounds. Seek counseling or therapy from a qualified mental health professional. Their notes and diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other trauma are critical evidence for non-economic damages.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence:

Hazing thrives in secrecy, and perpetrators will often attempt to destroy evidence as soon as an incident is suspected or exposed. You must act quickly and meticulously to preserve everything.

  • Electronic Communications: This is often the most damning evidence. Save every text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat conversation, Instagram DM, email, and social media post related to the hazing. This includes communications from fraternity members, other pledges, and anything hinting at the activities, dates, times, or locations. Do NOT delete anything. Learn more about this by watching our video: Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence.
  • Photos and Videos: If you have any photos or videos of the hazing activities or injuries, save them immediately. Even blurry photos can provide crucial context. Keep a photographic record of any physical injuries as they change over time (bruises, cuts, burns).
  • Documents: Preserve any pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or other documents given to you by the organization. These can reveal the structure and intent behind the hazing.
  • Witness Information: Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing—other pledges, active members who were uncomfortable, or even bystanders. Their testimony can be invaluable.
  • Physical Evidence: If any objects were used in the hazing (e.g., wooden paddles, specific clothing, items for forced consumption), and you can safely secure them, do so.
  • Academic and Financial Records: Keep records of any lost wages (if you missed work), tuition bills, scholarship information (if hazing impacted your academic standing), and all medical bills.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Fraternity/University Without Legal Counsel:

  • No Statements: Do not provide any written or recorded statements to the fraternity, the university, their lawyers, or their insurance representatives without speaking to an attorney first. They are not on your side; their goal is to protect their institution and minimize their liability. Anything you say can be used against you.
  • Do NOT Sign Anything: Never sign any documents presented by the fraternity, university, or their representatives. These documents may waive your legal rights or release them from liability.
  • Avoid Social Media: Do not post anything about the incident on social media. Even seemingly innocent posts can be twisted and used by the defense to discredit your claims. This is a critical mistake that can ruin your case. Learn more here: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.

4. Report the Incident (Strategically):

  • University/College Report: While we typically advise against giving statements without legal counsel present, understanding the university’s reporting mechanisms is important. Many universities have their own internal reporting processes and Title IX offices. Be aware that these processes are often designed to protect the institution.
  • Law Enforcement: Consider filing a police report. Hazing that involves physical assault, forced alcohol consumption, or other dangerous acts is often criminal. A criminal investigation can help gather evidence that can be used in your civil lawsuit. The UH spokesperson in the Bermudez case even acknowledged “potential criminal charges.”

5. Contact an Experienced Hazing Litigation Attorney IMMEDIATELY:

  • Time is Critical: The statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) for personal injury and wrongful death cases in most states, including Mississippi, is typically two years from the date of the injury or death. This may seem like a long time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and the window to build a strong case shrinks rapidly. Our firm emphasizes urgency; Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized on November 6, and our lawsuit was filed on November 21. See our video on: Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?
  • Expert Guidance: Hazing cases are complex, involving multiple defendants, intricate legal theories, and aggressive defense tactics. You need attorneys who specialize in this specific area, who know the relevant laws, the precedents, and how to effectively take on powerful institutions.
  • Free, Confidential Consultation: Most reputable hazing attorneys, including Attorney 911, offer free initial consultations. This is an opportunity to discuss your case in confidence, understand your legal options, and get expert advice without any financial obligation.
  • We Work on Contingency: You pay nothing upfront. Our fees are contingent on us winning your case. This ensures access to justice for everyone in Mississippi, regardless of their financial situation. Learn how this works: How Contingency Fees Work.

For Mississippi families, please remember: The legal process exists to protect you. You are not alone in this fight. The sooner you reach out to a specialized hazing attorney, the stronger your position will be to demand the accountability and justice your child deserves. We are standing by to listen and to help.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for Hazing Victims in Mississippi

If your family in Mississippi has been shattered by a hazing incident, you are facing a legal emergency. We want you to know that help is just a phone call away. At Attorney 911, we are committed to providing immediate, aggressive, and professional legal assistance to hazing victims and their families in Mississippi and across the nation. We are actively fighting this battle right now, and we will bring the same fury and dedication to your child’s case.

Don’t wait. Time is critical. Evidence disappears, and your rights can expire.

📞 LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR MISSISSIPPI HAZING VICTIMS:

1-888-ATTY-911

We are available 24/7 for families in Mississippi. Call us anytime, day or night. Your initial consultation is absolutely free and confidential.

Email Us Directly: ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website: attorney911.com

What You Can Expect When You Contact Us:

  • Immediate Response: Your call will be answered by a compassionate legal professional who understands the urgency and sensitivity of your situation.
  • Free, Confidential Consultation: We will listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions without any financial obligation. This can be done via phone or video consultation to accommodate families in Mississippi.
  • No Upfront Fees: We take hazing cases on a contingency basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our goal is to alleviate your financial burden, not add to it.
  • Aggressive, Expert Representation: If we take your case, you gain access to our battle-tested legal team, including Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, who bring over 37 years of combined experience, including insider knowledge from working for insurance defense firms.
  • Nationwide Reach: While based in Texas, we serve hazing victims in Mississippi and across the country. Our federal court admissions and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue national fraternities and university systems wherever they operate. We are prepared to travel to Mississippi for depositions, client meetings, and trial when necessary. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
  • Spanish-Speaking Services: Se habla español. Our bilingual staff ensures that language is never an impediment to Hispanic families seeking justice in Mississippi.

We are here to help victims of hazing in all forms, including:

  • Fraternities and sororities at universities in Mississippi and nationwide.
  • Sports teams and athletic programs in Mississippi.
  • Marching bands, clubs, and other student organizations.
  • ROTC programs and military academies.

To other victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing:

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Our lawsuit describes how another pledge was hog-tied, and another lost consciousness. If you were subjected to similar abuse by Pi Kappa Phi or any other organization, you have rights. We can help you. As Lupe Peña stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Call us now, and let’s bring them all to justice.

Mississippi families: Your child trusted these institutions. When that trust is betrayed, and serious harm occurs, those responsible must be held accountable. Let Attorney 911 be your voice in this fight. Connect with us today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com